Year 9 ESL Checkpoint
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Rosanna ChioYear 9 ESL Checkpoint
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Rosanna ChioCambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint
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ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 0876/03
Paper 3 Writing October 2025
40 minutes
You must answer on the question paper.
No additional materials are needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Answer all questions.
• Use a black or dark blue pen.
• Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
• Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
• Do not write on any bar codes.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 35.
• The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
This document has 4 pages.
IB25 10_0876_03/5RP
© UCLES 2025 [Turn over
2
Part 1
Question 1
You would like to go to the cinema with your English friend Pat.
Write an email to Pat. In your email, you should:
• recommend a film to watch
• explain how you will get to the cinema
• suggest what you can do together after the film.
Write 45–55 words.
Write the email below.
[15]
© UCLES 2025 0876/03/O/25
3
Part 2
Question 2
In your English class, you have been talking about learning languages.
Your teacher has asked you to write an essay:
‘All students should have to study foreign languages at school.’ Do you agree?
Write your essay in 110–130 words in an appropriate style below.
© UCLES 2025 0876/03/O/25 [Turn over
4
[20]
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at [Link] after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.
© UCLES 2025 0876/03/O/25
Common questions
Powered by AIThe limited word count requires students to express their ideas concisely and prioritize essential information, which can be challenging as it demands a high level of focus and synthesis. This constraint tests students' ability to communicate effectively without superfluous details, necessitating advanced language skills and the capacity for succinct expression .
Writing an essay on this topic encourages students to analyze and articulate their perspectives about the necessity of language education, weigh pros and cons, and challenge or support the position with reasoned arguments. This reflective process fosters critical thinking by requiring them to evaluate educational priorities and the implications of multilingualism in a global context .
Explicit instructions on formatting and writing provide clear guidelines that help students understand what is expected of them, thus reducing anxiety and cognitive load. Such instructions aid in maintaining consistency across responses, allowing for fairer assessment of student performance. This clarity supports better preparation, focus during the examination, and ultimately, can enhance overall performance .
The writing exam format, which includes email and essay writing, reflects real-world communication skills by requiring students to articulate ideas clearly and concisely in various contexts. Crafting a well-structured email involves elements of persuasive and social communication, while essay writing fosters structured argumentation and coherent expression of complex ideas, both crucial in professional and personal settings .
The requirement to use a non-erasable pen ensures the integrity of the exam papers by preventing undetectable alterations. This rule helps maintain the authenticity of students' work and ensures that any attempted changes are visible, supporting a transparent and fair evaluation process .
Publication history and comprehensive copyright information assure the legitimacy and authenticity of the examination materials, protecting against plagiarism and unauthorized use. It provides transparency regarding the origin of content, fostering trust in the integrity of academic resources and facilitating legal compliance with intellectual property laws .
One potential benefit of requiring students to study foreign languages at school is that it can enhance cognitive abilities, improve cultural awareness, and provide better career opportunities by making them more competitive in the global job market. Conversely, drawbacks might include the strain on students with already heavy coursework, possible lack of interest among students, and the uneven quality of language instruction which can hamper effective learning .
Writing directly on the exam paper may influence students to practice drafting concise, well-structured responses that fit the provided space. This preparation involves focusing on time management and precision in writing, aligning practice with the exam's practical constraints to optimize performance under exam conditions .
Recommending activities after watching a film is deemed important in the context of the document's instructions as it helps foster social interaction and makes the outing more appealing by ensuring there's a plan for continuous engagement. This holistic approach to social planning is evidenced by the explicit requirement to suggest post-cinema activities in the email assignment .
Students should focus on being concise by including key elements: a film recommendation, logistical details about getting to the cinema, and suggested activities post-viewing. Using a friendly yet informative tone can make the invitation appealing and clear. Adhering to these elements satisfies the exam's requirements for the task .
